Grigore Vieru’s burial day declared National Mourning Day

In sign of great sorrow at the tragic death of the prominent poet Grigore Vieru, classical writer of the national contemporary literature, President Vladimir Voronin decreed the day of January 20, 2009, when Grigore Vieru is to be buried, as National Mourning Day. A communiqué from the presidential press service says that a State Commission for the Organization of the Funeral was set up under the same decree. According to the decree, state flags will be flown at half mast in all the settlements of the country on January 20. A moment of silence in memory of poet Grigore Vieru will be held at 10.00. The national public broadcaster “Teleradio-Moldova” will broadcast live the funeral. A lecture in memory of the great poet will be taught in all the education institutions. The public authorities, enterprises and organizations are urged not to carry out recreational activities on January 20, while the newspapers, radio stations and television channels are asked to take into account the specific character of this day when editing publications and preparing the programs for this day. The State Commission for the Organization of Grigore Vieru’s Funeral consists of: Head of Parliament Marian Lupu, Minister of Health Larisa Catrinici, president of the Writers Union Mihai Cimpoi, Mayor General of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca, president of the Academy of Sciences Gheorghe Duca, mayor of Pererata village of Briceni district Victoria Migalcean, presidential adviser Viorelia Moldovan-Batranac, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Ion Munteanu, head of the Government’s Apparatus Mihail Pop, Minister of the Interior Gheorghe Papuc, Deputy Prime Minister Victor Stepaniuc, Minister of Education and Youth Larisa Savga, president of the national public broadcaster “Teleradio-Moldova” Valentin Toderacan. Taking into account the wish of Grigore Vieru’s family, the State Commission decided to put the body of the poet in the National Opera House for farewell. The funeral will take place on January 20 starting at 9.00. The body will be buried at the central cemetery situated on Armeneasca Street in Chisinau. Ziarul de Garda has announced that the body of Grigore Vieru will be brought to Saint Teodora de la Sihla Church on Monday afternoon. Bishop Ioan Ciuntu said that everyone is welcome to bid farewell to the poet. Those that will want could leave a message in memory of the bard in the Memory Book.